PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAT 13 OCTOBER
DFLA counter demo: Leading figures join thousands in uniting to resist far-right threat
Over 2,000 joined a Stand Up To Racism and Unite Against Fascism counter demonstration today opposing the racist ‘Democratic Football Lads’ Alliance, who mustered about 1,000 on their mobilisation.
The counter demonstration featured speeches from a range of politicians, trade unions and activists, showing the breadth of support for Stand Up To Racism’s initiative to oppose the far right on the streets with mass numbers sending a message of unity and multiculturalism to say that we represent the anti-racist majority in Britain.
In a Joint message of support for the event, Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott said:
“Congratulations on today’s demonstration standing up against racism and far right extremism.
“We’re in solidarity with all those around the world standing up to oppose racism and to support the diversity of our communities.
“We’re proud to walk in the traditions of anti racism campaigners and activists. Your fight is our fight.”
Speaking at the rally, Emma Dent Coad MP said,
“I cannot either understand or abide any form of discrimination, religious, race, or of any description at all, and I will always come to events like this when I’m available.
“We cannot stand by while Islamophobia and racism of all kinds is being normalised not only by outspoken people marching up the street from us here, but within the Houses of Parliament. It is despicable, it is disgraceful, we cannot stand by and let this happen.”
Sabby Dhalu, Stand Up To Racism co convenor said,
“Today trade unions, Christians, Muslims, Jews, LGBT, disabled people and many others stood together against the fascist DFLA. We did so because history shows us the far right and fascists are a threat to freedom and democracy and what could happen if we don’t unite to stop them. We also pledged to fight racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism that the far right is deliberately stirring up internationally.”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor said,
“Today was a fantastic day of resistance. Stand up to racism exposed the racist nature of the DFLA. We stood together black, white, Muslim, Jew, LGBT, Trade unionists, young and old. And we prevented them from reaching Parliament Square and the cenotaph. Demonstrations work.”
Pete Kavanagh, Unite London & Eastern secretary said,
“Unite believes that all workers and all working class communities need a strong voice – especially in a world where the political elite has for too long ignored our needs. We also believe that unity and hope are necessary to deliver decent jobs, decent housing and opportunities for all. Let it be very clear that we in the trade union and Labour movement condemn all forms of terrorism, all attacks on women and children and we support freedom of speech. But with that freedom, comes responsibility and we will not tolerate the victimisation, demonisation or scapegoating of any one community”
David Rosenberg, Jewish Socialist Group said:
“If Tommy Robinson and his privileged allies have only learned one lesson from history, then I will help them learn a bit more. That the people who you hate, who the National Front hated, who Oswald Mosley hated, will fight back. Every time you share the hate, you also tell us about the kind of alliance we need to build against you and your followers.
“And we can see that alliance here today. Trade unions, Labour MPs, Muslims, Jews, black, white, all ages, all genders, and we can win. But we won’t win unless we build an anti-racist and ant-fascist majority in society.”
Notes to editors
1.Stand Up To Racism is organising a major international conference on the rise of the far right on Saturday 20 October https://www.facebook.com/events/210042889749697/?ti=ia and a national unity demo against fascism and racism on Saturday 17 November https://www.facebook.com/events/1887445111550804/?ti=ia Both are supported by the TUC and senior labour movement figures such as Diane Abbott and John McDonnell.
2.The DFLA are composed primarily of football hooligans, they have supporters from across the far right including ex-nazi terror group, Combat 18 members. In Sunderland, a DFLA supporter was jailed after last month after attempting to attack a counter-mobilisation.
3.The presence of the DFLA reflects a pattern across much of Europe, where far right street movements are targeting minorities such as Muslims, Jews and the Roma. The DFLA are looking to funnel supporters into UKIP, to give expression to their racism, politically.
For press enquiries email info@standuptoracism.org.uk